Is it just me or have you also noticed how common courtesy and plain civility have taken a beating in recent years? It’s got to the point where civility is no longer a nice-to-have feature but a basic business imperative for creating and nurturing a productive and positive workplace.
While organisations are becoming more diverse and collaborative – which is a very good thing – civility, defined as kind, courteous and respectful behaviour towards others, cannot be emphasised enough. It oils the wheels of the organisation, so to speak, making things run so much more smoothly and effectively.
Why civility is important
Civility in the workplace is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it contributes to a healthy and inclusive culture where employees feel, accepted, respected and valued. When they interact in a mutually respect manner, it reduces stress, enhances job satisfaction and creates a sense of belonging. Such a positive atmosphere significantly improves employee retention and reduces turnover rates – a big plus for organisations.
Secondly, civility boosts productivity. A respectful work environment reduces conflict and distractions, resulting in a greater focus on the part of employees. They engage in open communication and collaboration, which in turn leads to enhanced innovation and problem-solving. Teams that operate with civility are also more likely to engage in constructive discussions, share ideas freely and work effectively towards common goals.
Thirdly, civility enhances the organisation’s reputation. Companies known for having a respectful and supportive culture attract top talent and enjoy better relationships with clients, partners and stakeholders. At a time where social media can quickly amplify negative experiences, maintaining a civil workplace is crucial for brand reputation.
Here is a summary of some benefits of a civil workplace
- Enhanced employee well-being: A respectful work environment reduces stress and burnout, promoting better mental and physical health for employees. This well-being translates into higher morale and job satisfaction;
- Improved collaboration and innovation: Civility creates a safe space for sharing ideas without fear of ridicule, criticism or backlash. Open dialogue without the fear of criticism is essential for creativity and innovation to drive the organisation forward;
- Reduced turnover: It’s common knowledge that employees are more likely to stay with an organisation where they feel respected and valued. We all know that reduced turnover saves costs associated with recruiting and training new employees;
- Greater productivity: A civil workplace reduces distractions caused by conflicts and negative interactions. Employees feel free to focus on the task at hand, leading to increased efficiency and productivity; and
- Enhanced brand reputation: Companies known for having a respectful culture are more attractive to job seekers, customers and business partners. This positive reputation can enhance business opportunities, growth and profitability.
Strategies for promoting civility
Lead by example: As always, leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for workplace behaviour. By demonstrating respect and courtesy in their interactions, leaders can demonstrate the behaviour they expect from their employees.
Clarify policies and expectations: Organisations should have clear policies that define acceptable behaviour and outline the consequences of incivility. Regular training and communication about these policies will help to ensure that everyone is aware of and committed to maintaining a civil environment.
Encourage open communication: Providing channels for employees to voice their concerns and feedback without fear of retribution goes a long way to shutting down the grapevine. Open communication promotes trust and can help resolve issues before they get out of hand.
Implement recognition and reward systems: Recognising and rewarding respectful behaviour reinforces the importance of civility. Employee recognition programmes that highlight acts of kindness and co-operation can motivate others to follow suit.
Introduce conflict resolution mechanisms: Implementing effective conflict resolution strategies helps address issues of incivility promptly and fairly. Mediation and counselling services can be valuable resources for resolving disputes.
Wrapping up
Civility in the workplace is more than just good manners; it is a cornerstone of a thriving organisational culture. By nurturing an environment of respect and courtesy, organisations can enhance employee well-being, boost productivity, and build a positive reputation.
When all is said and done, promoting civility is not just about being nice to others. It’s about creating a firm foundation for sustained success and growth, and future proofing your organisation.
The small East Cape town I grew up in many years ago had the number plate CCN, with different digits after that. In primary school, we were taught that the CCN stood for “Civility Costs Nothing”. All these years later, I can say that’s still true today!
Alan Hosking is the Publisher of HR Future magazine, www.hrfuture.net and @HRFuturemag. He is an internationally recognised authority on leadership competencies for the future and teaches experienced and younger business leaders how to lead with empathy, compassion, integrity, purpose and agility. He has been an Age Management Coach for two decades and is the author of parenting best seller What Nobody Tells a New Father.
